Story Summary
Navigate the treacherous strait of Odysseus and Scylla and Charybdis as the Greek hero makes a heart-wrenching choice between two deadly maritime monsters.
Following their escape from the Sirens, Odysseus and his crew entered the narrow strait of Messina. On one side lived Scylla, a monstrous creature with six long necks and terrifying heads; on the other lay Charybdis, a colossal whirlpool that swallowed the sea three times a day. Odysseus had been warned by the sorceress Circe that Charybdis would destroy the entire ship, while Scylla would only take six men. Clinging to the cliffside of Scylla to avoid the watery abyss, Odysseus watched in horror as the monster plucked six of his bravest sailors from the deck. Their screams echoed as they were dragged into the heights, but Odysseus, heart heavy with the weight of leadership, steered the ship onward to save the remainder of his crew.
The Moral
In times of impossible crisis, a leader must sometimes choose the lesser of two evils to ensure the survival of the many.
“No mariner can boast that he has passed Scylla unscathed.”
Fun Fact
Ancient sailors believed these monsters were real and associated them with the Strait of Messina between Sicily and Calabria. Even today, the currents in that area can be quite treacherous for small vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Odysseus and Scylla and Charybdis?
The story illustrates the necessity of choosing the lesser of two evils when no perfect outcome exists. It highlights the heavy burden of leadership and the sacrifice required for the greater good.
Who warned Odysseus about Scylla and Charybdis?
The sorceress Circe provided Odysseus with the warning and advice. She told him that fighting Scylla was useless and that he must choose her side to avoid losing everyone to the whirlpool.
What exactly were Scylla and Charybdis?
Scylla was a six-headed sea monster who lived in a cliffside cave, while Charybdis was a personified whirlpool that sucked in and spat out the sea. Together they guarded a narrow, inescapable strait.
How many men did Odysseus lose to the monster?
Odysseus lost exactly six men to Scylla, one for each of her heads. He was forced to watch them be snatched away while he focused on steering the ship away from Charybdis.
Why didn't Odysseus try to fight Scylla?
Circe warned Odysseus that Scylla was 'immortal dread' and could not be defeated by force. Trying to fight her would only give her time to strike again and take more men.
What does the phrase 'between Scylla and Charybdis' mean?
It is a popular idiom meaning to be caught between two equally unpleasant or dangerous alternatives. It is synonymous with the modern phrase 'between a rock and a hard place.'
